Method for retaining lubrication for life extension in existing splined joint

Abstract

A method for retaining lubrication in a splined joint comprises the steps of forming a seal between an inward surface of a grease seal cup and a first component, forming another seal between an outward surface of the grease seal cup and a sealing member extending from a second component, and engaging an end portion of the grease seal cup with an end portion of the first component, so that the end portion of the grease seal cup resists axial displacement of the grease seal cup during engagement of the first component with the second component. The grease seal cup of the method has a cylindrical portion integral with the end portion. The cylindrical portion has a tapered annular wall with the inward and outward surfaces. The end portion of the grease seal cup extends radially and inwardly from the cylindrical portion, so that the tapered annular wall is squeezed between the first component and the sealing member. The pre-fabricated light weight grease seal cup can be used in existing splined joints without adversely affecting the weight balance.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of joining a drive shaft and a driven shaft, the drive shaft having a first set of splines and the driven shaft having a second set of splines, comprising the steps of:
 applying a lubricant to a spline set selected from a group consisting of the first set of splines and the second set of splines; 
 passing said driven shaft through an opening of a grease seal cup to position the first set of splines within a seal cup cavity of said grease seal cup; 
 deforming a cylindrical portion of the grease cup by squeezing the cylindrical portion between an outer surface of the drive shaft and an inner surface of a sealing member that is fixedly attached to the driven shaft for rotation with the driven shaft; and 
 forming a splined joint between the drive shaft and the driven shaft; 
 wherein the steps of deforming the cylindrical portion of the grease cup and forming the splined joint are performed simultaneously with and as a result of passing said drive shaft through the opening in the grease cup seal. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of forming the splined joint comprises
 axially urging the drive shaft toward the driven shaft, wherein the first set of splines is engaged with the second set of splines to form the splined joint. 
 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said step of applying a lubricant comprises providing a grease to the selected spline set. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of splines are external splines and the second set of splines are internal splines. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first set of splines are internal splines and the second set of splines are external splines. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said grease seal cup is adapted to form a first seal with said drive shaft and a second seal with said sealing member.